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By Michael R. Schwartz –
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team in Batavia, N.Y., responded to a large food processing plant fire in the Village of Elba, N.Y., on Thanksgiving morning.
The team provided canteen and hydration services to firefighters who were involved in fighting the fire at the largest onion processing facility in New York. Due to the size of the fire, over 100 firefighters from across three counties responded and spent their Thanksgiving battling the stubborn fire.
“We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our team in Genesee County, giving up their own Thanksgiving to bring a little comfort to the first responders in harm’s way during this large fire,” said Michael R. Schwartz, Divisional Disaster Director for the Empire State Division. “It brings into perspective the many things we are truly thankful for on this holiday.”
At the request of the Genesee County Fire Coordinator’s Office, The Salvation Army EDS team and representatives of the Batavia Corps were on scene throughout the day offering donuts, coffee and even turkey sandwiches to the first responders.
“Our goal is to get out here and serve the first responders especially on Thanksgiving Day to make their jobs a little easier, give them something to drink, something to eat,” said Lt. Bradley Moore of The Salvation Army Batavia Corps.
